Grass clippings, leaves and small branches

These are collected curbside by Waste Management from the week of April 15 thru November 30, weather permitting.  Place curbside on your regular collection day.  Yard Waste is part of your garbage fees.  Please note: during peak season (spring or fall), collection may get delayed due to high volumes.

• Yard Waste must be placed into the cart provided by Waste Management. 
• If you still want to bag yard waste, use a compostable bag for grass clippings, small stems, and leaves. You must purchase paper or clear compostable bags which are compliant with Minnesota state law from retailers. 
• Place bags into the cart first and anything that can't fit in cart can be placed next to it. During peak season, additional bags outside of cart may not always be collected.
• Tree branches and brush must be less than 3" in diameter and 4' in length.  Bundled them no larger than 4’ x 2’ and be under 40 pounds.
• No dirt, sod, rocks, gravel, trash, flower pots or lawn ornament.

Christmas Trees 

Waste Management will collect Christmas trees placed curbside for the first two full weeks in January for mulch or compost. Flocking (fake spray snow) interrupts the ability to compost the tree. If your tree is over 7 ft, please cut in half.  Place curbside for pickup.  

Grasscycling and Composting

Grasscycle:  It is best to mow your grass and leaves and leave them on your lawn to decompose. The grass clippings naturally fertilize your lawn when the nutrients are returned to soil, which reduces need for fertilizer or bagging of clippings.

Composting:  Convert yard waste to a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden and lawn. This is a no-cost alternative for yard waste and food waste that you can make right in your yard.

Additional Yard Waste Disposal Services

The following businesses are licensed by Washington County as Solid Waste facilities to receive compost material from residents (no business waste). Contact the business or check their website for details on fees:

Northern Yard Waste
6065 Headwaters Parkway
Forest Lake, MN55025
(651) 275-7475

Cottage Grove Compost
9600 Gendenning Rd.
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
(651) 459-1556

Gertens Regional Eco and Landscape Supply
Manning Ave.& 70th St.
Denmark Township, MN
Enter on 70th Street
(651) 458-4412